Meet the taxi of the future: electric, connected and perhaps flying

The taxi of the future will in all likelihood be an electric, connected vehicle with a cabin designed for the passenger, and in some cases it could run without a driver or even fly. Some of that already exists: electric taxis are on the streets of Madrid and robotaxis operate in some cities around the world. Other ideas, such as air taxis, are still in development and depend on the authorities approving their use.

In this article we focus on the vehicle and the experience on board. How the taxi service in the capital could change is something we analyse in the future of taxis in Madrid.

The first feature of the taxi of the future is already on the street. Electric taxis are quiet, produce no exhaust fumes and accelerate smoothly, something you really notice in the city. Their development is heading towards greater range, faster charging and longer-lasting batteries, designed for vehicles that make many journeys a day. We tell you more in what electric taxis are like.

When a car does not need a driver, its interior can be completely redesigned. Some robotaxi prototypes do away with the steering wheel and pedals and place the seats facing each other, like a small living room. Those already operating in some cities, on the other hand, are usually conventional cars adapted with sensors on the roof and sides. We explain the technology behind them in driverless cars.

Another line of innovation is inside the passenger compartment. Among the ideas being tested or already seen in some vehicles are:

• Passenger screens showing the route, the estimated time of arrival and the fare.
• Content about the city, such as tourist information about the places the journey passes.
• Climate control and music the passenger can adjust from their seat or from their phone.
• Connectivity for charging devices and working during the journey.
• Built-in payment, with no need to take out your wallet.

The challenge is for technology to add value without complicating things: a passenger going to the airport mainly wants to arrive on time, travel comfortably and know what they are paying.

Several companies are developing electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, known as eVTOLs, designed as air taxis for short urban journeys, for example between an airport and a city centre. They look like large drones with a cabin for a few passengers.

Their arrival depends on certification by the aviation authorities, on building take-off and landing points (known as vertiports) and on the price being reasonable. For now they are projects and test flights, not a service you can use to get to Barajas.

However modern the vehicle, there are things travellers will go on expecting: to be picked up where and when they asked, to have room for their luggage, for someone to lend a hand if they need it and for the price to be clear. If you like unusual taxis, you will find some curious examples in the world’s most unusual taxis.

Today you can already book a door-to-door transfer at a fixed price: there is our private Madrid airport transfer or, if you prefer to go direct, you can book your taxi to Barajas from anywhere in the Madrid region.